EastEnders' Shona McGarty shares throwback snaps with Maisie Smith ahead of exit

25 January 2024 , 15:49

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EastEnders' Shona McGarty shares throwback snaps with Maisie Smith ahead of exit

EastEnders star Shona McGarty has shared a collection of sweet throwback snaps with former co-star Maisie Smith.

Shona, 32, has played Whitney Dean on the hit BBC One soap since 2008 and she is set to leave Albert Square later this year after more than 15 years in Walford. Soap fans will recall that when Whitney first joined Albert Square, she was joined by her siblings, including Tiffany Butcher-Baker, played by Maisie, 22.

Maisie left EastEnders in 2022 and with Shona also set to leave Albert Square soon, it appears the actress was feeling sentimental on Wednesday night as she shared a collection of throwback snaps with Maisie and Devon Higgs, who played Morgan Butcher. Shona reshared snaps from Maisie's mum and talent agent, Julia Smith, who had originally posted the photos in 2020.

EastEnders star Shona McGarty has shared a collection of sweet throwback snaps with former co-star Maisie Smith (Instagram/ @js.management)

Julia wrote at the time: "12 years ago today these amazing kids burst onto our screens as the Butcher family in @bbceastenders this is them mucking about in their dressing room. It was like this most days #goodtimes #eastenders #maisiesmith #shonamcgarty #jamesforde #devonhiggs."

Earlier this week, Whitney was seen leaving Walford alongside her partner Zack Hudson as they planned to visit Bianca in Milton Keynes after learning she had split from her partner Terry. Whitney and Zack decided they needed to visit Bianca after bosses confirmed Patsy Palmer would be making a brief return to the show to coincide with Whitney's exit.

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The pair handed over the market stall to Penny and Lauren Branning as they decided to head off to be with Bianca, but how will their meet-up with Bianca go and what about it will make Whitney, at least, decide to leave Walford for good? Whitney actress Shona previously discussed her soap exit, but insisted it wasn't an easy decision.

EastEnders viewers saw Whitney Dean make a sudden exit this week (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

"It wasn’t an easy decision because I've made so many friends. I’ve seen people come and go, and meanwhile, Whitney has been one of the longest-standing characters. I've had so much fun and done so many storylines, some of which have been sensitive, and I've been honoured to be trusted with such heavy stuff year after year. So I'm going to be sad to say goodbye to my friends and family, but it was the right decision for me as I want to do other things. After 15 years, I’ve had a pretty good run!" she said.

Speaking about leaving the show, she added: "I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show. I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships which will endure."

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Olivia Wheeler